**Remi Bader Reflects on Weight Loss and Mental Growth in Candid Instagram Post**
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Social media influencer Remi Bader has opened up about her journey with weight loss and mental health, sharing a heartfelt reflection on Instagram. On June 22, she posted a series of before-and-after photos that illustrate her transformation over the last two-and-a-half years. Bader’s message struck a chord with many of her followers as she candidly acknowledged her previous struggles with body image and how far she has come.
In her Instagram post, Bader revealed she had long shied away from old photographs, as they reminded her of a period when she felt mentally and physically diminished. “For years, I avoided looking at old photos because they brought me back to a time when I felt really low,” she said. This point of reflection led her back to the location of those earlier images — a gym at Equinox — as part of her journey to confront her past.
Bader explained that revisiting these moments was not about making comparisons or casting self-criticism; rather, it was an opportunity to honour her progress. “I wanted to acknowledge how far I’ve come and what has changed, while also recognising areas in which I still want to improve,” she elaborated. This perspective highlights her shift towards a more positive mindset, focusing on her triumphs rather than her setbacks.
Throughout her two-and-a-half-year journey, Bader has learned that personal growth is often subtle and can go unnoticed in daily life. She expressed that, despite maintaining a tendency to dwell on what has gone wrong, acknowledging her achievements has been essential. “Looking back helps you finally see it,” she concluded her emotional post, signifying the importance of reflection in her healing process.
Recently, Bader’s confidence has reached new heights, particularly since being featured as one of the rookies in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. In an interview with PEOPLE, she discussed how her sense of self-esteem has evolved with her recent accomplishments in the modelling industry. “People have identified me through my body, but I never came online to say, ‘This is who I am,'” she said, indicating her frustration with being boxed into a singular identity as an influencer.
Bader emphasised that she is still navigating her relationship with her body, especially following her experience with an eating disorder. Despite these challenges, she feels she is in “the best place” she has ever been, both physically and emotionally — a sentiment she is particularly proud of as someone who has battled an eating disorder.
To manage her eating-related issues, Bader has explored various weight-loss methods, including undergoing gastric bypass surgery. She candidly shared her struggles with binge eating and other habits that resulted in serious gastrointestinal complications. On her journey, she has become a significant voice within the body positivity community, sharing openly about her experiences and offering support to others facing similar challenges.
“I have loved being curvy my whole life; it was part of who I am,” Bader reflected in a previous interview. She continued, “I believe you can be a larger size and still be healthy and happy.” However, she noted that her perspective shifted as she found herself becoming increasingly unhappy with her body.
Following her surgery, Bader experienced rapid weight loss, which prompted her to explore her evolving identity. Despite feeling some disconnection from both the plus-size community and brands, she maintains a commitment to transparency with her audience. Bader hopes to remove the stigma surrounding body image and weight conversations by being honest about her journey on social media.
Ultimately, Remi Bader’s story is one of self-acceptance and resilience, serving as an inspiration to many who navigate their own paths through mental health and body image struggles. She continues to use her platform to advocate for body positivity and authenticity, showing that growth is not only possible but can also come from vulnerability.